Essentials of Pediatric Nursing Chapter 4
Growth and Development of the Toddler.
Lets get it !
Growth is slower during toddler period than in infancy - Correct Answers-*toddler gains in
height and weight tend to occur in spurts
*average weight gain is 1.36 to 2.27 kg (3 to 5 lb) per year
*length/height increase by an average of 7.62 cm (3 inches) per year
*head circumference about 2.54 cm (1 inch) from when child is between 1 and 2 years of age,
increases an 1/2 inch per year until age 5
*anterior fontanel should be closed by the time the child is 18 months
*head size becomes more proportional to the rest of the body near age of 3 years
What is Erickson's development task for toddlers? - Correct Answers-Stage: Autonomy vs
shame & doubt Age 1-3 years
Activities: Achieve autonomy and self-control
*Separates from parent/caregiver
*Withstands delayed gratification
*Negativism abounds
*Imitates adults and playmates
*Spontaneously shows affection
*In increasingly enthusiastic about playmates
*Cannot take turns in games until age 3 years
Cognitive development in the toddler progresses from sensorimotor to preoperational
(According to Jean Piaget) - Correct Answers-First stage sensorimotor:
*between 12 and 24 months
*engage in tertiary circular reactions and progress to mental combination
*experiment with a behavior to see what happens rather than repeat a behavior
*by age 2 toddlers are capable of using symbols to allow for imitation
Second stage preoperational:
*occurs in children between 2 and 7 years of age
*toddlers begin to become more sophisticated with symbolic thought
*objects begin to have characteristics that make them unique from one another
, *words and images allow the toddler to begin this process
After learning to walk the toddlers refines gross motor skills and builds fine motor skills through
the use of utensils and different manipulative toys - Correct Answers-Gross motor skills:
*"toddler gait" is characteristic of new walkers, the legs are planted widely apart, toes are
pointed forward, and the toddler seems to sway from side to side while moving forward
*may fall often, but will use outstretched arms to catch himself or herself (parachute reflex)
*after 6 months of practice walking, the toddler gait is smoother and the feet are closer
together
*by age 3 the toddler walk in a heel-to-toe fashion similar to that of adults
*use physical actions such as running, jumping, and hitting to express their emotions because
they are only learning to express their thoughts and feelings verbally
Fine motor skills:
*adequate vision is necessary for the refinement of fine motor skills because eye-hand
coordination is crucial for directing the fingers, hand, and wrist to accomplish small muscle
tasks.
Toddlers use all of their senses to explore and learn about their environment in the toddler
period - Correct Answers-*examine new items by feeling them, looking at them, shaking them
to hear what sound they make, smelling them, and placing them in their mouths
*vision should be 20/50 to 20/40 in both eyes
*depth perception also continues to mature
*hearing should be at adult level
*taste discrimination is not completely developed, toddlers may exhibit preferences for certain
flavor of foods
*likely try to new food if its appearance or smell is familiar
*lack of complete taste discrimination places the toddler at risk of accidental ingestion
Toddler's visual acuity progresses to 20/50 - Correct Answers-should be 20/50 to 20/40 in both
eyes
In an attempt to exert their independence toddlers display negativism and may have tantrums -
Correct Answers-*toddler displays egocentrism (focus on self)
*control results in emotional lability: very happy and pleasant one moment, then overreacting
to limiting setting with a temper tantrum in the next moment
*they learn to negotiate boundaries attachment and independence
*power struggles often occur in this age group, and it is important for parents and caregivers to
thoughtfully and intentionally develop the rituals and routines that will provide stability and
Growth and Development of the Toddler.
Lets get it !
Growth is slower during toddler period than in infancy - Correct Answers-*toddler gains in
height and weight tend to occur in spurts
*average weight gain is 1.36 to 2.27 kg (3 to 5 lb) per year
*length/height increase by an average of 7.62 cm (3 inches) per year
*head circumference about 2.54 cm (1 inch) from when child is between 1 and 2 years of age,
increases an 1/2 inch per year until age 5
*anterior fontanel should be closed by the time the child is 18 months
*head size becomes more proportional to the rest of the body near age of 3 years
What is Erickson's development task for toddlers? - Correct Answers-Stage: Autonomy vs
shame & doubt Age 1-3 years
Activities: Achieve autonomy and self-control
*Separates from parent/caregiver
*Withstands delayed gratification
*Negativism abounds
*Imitates adults and playmates
*Spontaneously shows affection
*In increasingly enthusiastic about playmates
*Cannot take turns in games until age 3 years
Cognitive development in the toddler progresses from sensorimotor to preoperational
(According to Jean Piaget) - Correct Answers-First stage sensorimotor:
*between 12 and 24 months
*engage in tertiary circular reactions and progress to mental combination
*experiment with a behavior to see what happens rather than repeat a behavior
*by age 2 toddlers are capable of using symbols to allow for imitation
Second stage preoperational:
*occurs in children between 2 and 7 years of age
*toddlers begin to become more sophisticated with symbolic thought
*objects begin to have characteristics that make them unique from one another
, *words and images allow the toddler to begin this process
After learning to walk the toddlers refines gross motor skills and builds fine motor skills through
the use of utensils and different manipulative toys - Correct Answers-Gross motor skills:
*"toddler gait" is characteristic of new walkers, the legs are planted widely apart, toes are
pointed forward, and the toddler seems to sway from side to side while moving forward
*may fall often, but will use outstretched arms to catch himself or herself (parachute reflex)
*after 6 months of practice walking, the toddler gait is smoother and the feet are closer
together
*by age 3 the toddler walk in a heel-to-toe fashion similar to that of adults
*use physical actions such as running, jumping, and hitting to express their emotions because
they are only learning to express their thoughts and feelings verbally
Fine motor skills:
*adequate vision is necessary for the refinement of fine motor skills because eye-hand
coordination is crucial for directing the fingers, hand, and wrist to accomplish small muscle
tasks.
Toddlers use all of their senses to explore and learn about their environment in the toddler
period - Correct Answers-*examine new items by feeling them, looking at them, shaking them
to hear what sound they make, smelling them, and placing them in their mouths
*vision should be 20/50 to 20/40 in both eyes
*depth perception also continues to mature
*hearing should be at adult level
*taste discrimination is not completely developed, toddlers may exhibit preferences for certain
flavor of foods
*likely try to new food if its appearance or smell is familiar
*lack of complete taste discrimination places the toddler at risk of accidental ingestion
Toddler's visual acuity progresses to 20/50 - Correct Answers-should be 20/50 to 20/40 in both
eyes
In an attempt to exert their independence toddlers display negativism and may have tantrums -
Correct Answers-*toddler displays egocentrism (focus on self)
*control results in emotional lability: very happy and pleasant one moment, then overreacting
to limiting setting with a temper tantrum in the next moment
*they learn to negotiate boundaries attachment and independence
*power struggles often occur in this age group, and it is important for parents and caregivers to
thoughtfully and intentionally develop the rituals and routines that will provide stability and
